The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes recently witnessed a record-breaking fishing event, as Alec Morrison from Peru, New York, emerged victorious at the Toyota Series Event. This thrilling competition saw Morrison haul in an astonishing 90 pounds and 14 ounces of bass over three days, shattering the previous record for a five-fish limit tournament on the Kissimmee Chain, which stood at 85 pounds and 12 ounces. Not only did Morrison claim the title, but he also took home a hefty prize of $40,500!
On the final day of the tournament, Morrison achieved a remarkable feat by catching 37 pounds and 1 ounce of bass, setting a new MLF single-day weight record on the Kissimmee Chain. His strategic approach involved targeting bass moving from shallow spawning areas to deeper waters, utilizing cutting-edge forward-facing sonar technology for three hours each day to locate the bigger fish. By avoiding the grassy beds where many anglers were fishing, Morrison focused on larger specimens, primarily in less than six feet of water, using a variety of lures, including the Megabass Vision 110 SR.
Alec’s Winning Strategy
Morrison’s successful strategy culminated in a quick return to his main fishing spot on the last day, allowing him to rapidly fill his catch quota. Most of the fish he caught were prespawn and postspawn bass, showcasing his keen understanding of their behavior. Over the years, Morrison has spent considerable time in Florida and collaborated with other professionals, such as Garrett Rocamora, further enhancing his fishing acumen.
This event was not just a personal triumph for Morrison; it also qualified him for the Toyota Series Championship at Pickwick Lake in Tennessee scheduled for November. The tournament was organized by Experience Kissimmee and represented the second stop of the Toyota Series Southern Division season.
Top Finishes and Awards
The competition was fierce, with Brody Campbell from Oxford, Ohio, finishing in second place with 75 pounds over three days. The top ten results of the tournament are as follows:
| Position | Angler | Fish Caught | Total Weight | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alec Morrison | 15 | 90-14 | $40,500 |
| 2 | Brody Campbell | 15 | 75-0 | $16,500 |
| 3 | Anderson Jones | 15 | 65-14 | $12,000 |
| 4 | Chad Mrazek | 15 | 62-14 | $10,000 |
| 5 | Bobby Bakewell | 15 | 62-11 | $9,000 |
| 6 | Garrett Rocamora | 15 | 59-8 | $8,000 |
| 7 | Andrew Ready | 15 | 58-3 | $7,000 |
| 8 | Kyle Cortiana | 15 | 56-13 | $6,250 |
| 9 | Dylan Quilatan | 15 | 56-7 | $5,000 |
| 10 | Aaron Yavorsky | 15 | 55-3 | $4,000 |
Morrison’s remarkable performance also earned him the Berkley Big Bass Award on Thursday with a catch weighing 9 pounds and 9 ounces. Tyler Nekolny grabbed the same award on Friday with a 9-pound, 12-ounce largemouth. In the co-angler division, Jonathan Forrest from Sanford, Florida, secured the top spot with 13 bass weighing a total of 47 pounds. The top ten co-angler results were equally impressive:
| Position | Angler | Fish Caught | Total Weight | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Forrest | 13 | 47-0 | Phoenix 518 Pro Boat |
| 2 | Stephen Draghi | 15 | 42-8 | $5,000 |
| 3 | William Payne | 15 | 41-7 | $4,000 |
| 4 | Brett Hobson | 15 | 40-14 | $3,500 |
| 5 | Pat Herolt | 12 | 40-6 | $3,000 |
| 6 | Walter Thompson | 15 | 39-5 | $2,500 |
| 7 | Larry Mullikin | 13 | 38-15 | $2,000 |
| 8 | Roger Stubbs | 14 | 38-3 | $1,850 |
| 9 | Travis Cato | 12 | 37-3 | $1,500 |
| 10 | Alan Hults | 14 | 36-7 | $1,250 |
The remarkable success of this tournament highlights not only the skill of the anglers but also the rich fishing culture in Florida. With such vibrant waters and a diverse array of fish species, fishing remains a beloved pastime for many, both locally and beyond.
For more details, check out the full coverage of this historic event at Positively Osceola and see additional insights from Bass Angler Magazine.